Tag: Google

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a launched in India in April 2025 at Rs 49,999 for 8 GB plus 256 GB. It dropped the camera visor that defined Pixel design since 2021 in favour of a nearly flush camera module, giving it a clean look. It also upgraded to IP68 dust and water resistance and carried over Google's seven-year update commitment.

    The 6.3-inch Actua pOLED runs at 120Hz and is notably brighter than the Pixel 8a's panel, though the bezels remain thicker than on rivals. Tensor G4 is the same chip as the Pixel 9 series, delivering smooth everyday performance and Gemini features, even if 8 GB of RAM limits some on-device AI functions compared with its pricier siblings.

    The camera pairing is a 48 MP main with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide, producing reliably good results with strong low-light processing. Battery capacity grows to 5100 mAh, the largest in any A-series Pixel, with 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. Against the OnePlus 13R and Galaxy A56, it wins on camera consistency and support length rather than speed.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.3-inch, pOLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2424
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight186 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Iris

    What we like

    • Largest battery in an A-series Pixel
    • IP68 rating
    • Seven years of updates
    • Clean, flush camera design

    What could be better

    • Thick bezels
    • Charging still slow
    • 8 GB RAM limits some AI features

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel cameras and long-term updates with better battery life than previous A-series models.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro

    Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro in India in October 2023 at Rs 1,06,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, putting it in the same bracket as the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra. It moved to a flat 6.7-inch display, a matte glass back, and introduced a temperature sensor, a curious extra that saw little real-world use.

    The Super Actua LTPO OLED is one of the brightest displays of its year, running between 1 and 120Hz. Tensor G3 brings on-device AI features including Video Boost, Magic Editor and Best Take, though it remains behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A17 Pro in graphics performance and efficiency. Seven years of updates make it a long-term proposition.

    The camera system was upgraded to a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, with Pro controls for manual settings. Image quality is excellent across lenses, especially in low light. The 5050 mAh battery gives a full day, charging at 30W wired and supporting wireless. Its high Indian price was the biggest obstacle compared with the S23 Ultra.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 106,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1344 x 2992
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery5050 mAh
    Charging30W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay

    What we like

    • Outstanding triple camera with Pro controls
    • Very bright flat LTPO display
    • Seven years of updates
    • Useful on-device AI features

    What could be better

    • Very expensive in India
    • Tensor G3 gaming performance lags rivals
    • Temperature sensor adds little

    Who should buy it

    Photography-focused buyers who want Google's best camera and long software support and can absorb the premium price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 8a

    The Pixel 8a launched in India in May 2024 at Rs 52,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought the flagship Tensor G3 and the seven-year update promise down to the A series, along with a 120Hz screen at last. The price, however, was significantly higher than earlier A-series Pixels, placing it against the OnePlus 12R and Galaxy S23 FE.

    Its 6.1-inch Actua OLED is bright and smooth, and the compact body with rounded edges is easy to use one-handed. Tensor G3 handles everyday tasks and Google's AI features, including Circle to Search, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. The thick bezels and plastic back remind you it is a cheaper Pixel, though IP67 rating is retained.

    The 64 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide cameras produce Pixel-quality images that outclass most phones at this price, particularly in tricky lighting. Battery capacity is 4492 mAh with slow 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. The OnePlus 12R offers far faster charging and performance for similar money, so the 8a mainly suits buyers who prioritise camera and update longevity.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4492 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates on a mid-ranger
    • Excellent camera for the price
    • Compact, easy to hold
    • 120Hz Actua display

    What could be better

    • Expensive for an A-series Pixel
    • Slow charging
    • Thick bezels and plastic back

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small phone with Pixel cameras and long software support more than fast charging or gaming power.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 9

    Google launched the Pixel 9 in India in August 2024 at Rs 79,999 for 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. It introduced a new design with flat aluminium sides and a floating, pill-shaped camera island, and was among the first phones built around Gemini, with features like Gemini Live, Pixel Screenshots and Add Me.

    The 6.3-inch Actua OLED is larger than the Pixel 8's and brighter still, while the extra RAM supports on-device Gemini Nano models. Tensor G4 is a modest step over G3, so performance remains behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 and the A18 in the iPhone 16, but daily use is smooth and thermals improved.

    The camera system pairs a 50 MP main sensor with a new 48 MP ultrawide that captures better detail and macro shots. The 4700 mAh battery and 27W charging deliver a full day comfortably. Against the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16, the Pixel 9 offers the strongest AI feature set and seven years of updates, though it costs more than discounted rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2424
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight198 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony

    What we like

    • Gemini AI features built in
    • Improved 48 MP ultrawide
    • Bright 6.3-inch Actua display
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Tensor G4 is only a small upgrade
    • No telephoto lens
    • Charging speeds still modest

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Google's AI features and reliable cameras in a mid-sized flagship with long software support.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    For the first time Google offered its Pro-tier Pixel in a compact size. The Pixel 9 Pro was announced for India in August 2024 at Rs 1,09,999 for 16 GB plus 256 GB, sharing the 6.3-inch footprint of the regular Pixel 9 while adding the telephoto camera, a sharper LTPO screen and more memory. It competed directly with the iPhone 16 Pro.

    The Super Actua LTPO display runs at 1280 x 2856 and up to 120Hz, with very high peak brightness. Tensor G4 with 16 GB of RAM handles Gemini Nano and Google's AI suite smoothly, though gaming performance and efficiency still trail Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple's A18 Pro. The polished frame and matte glass back give it a premium feel.

    Its triple camera, with a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the most consistent of its year, and the 42 MP selfie camera with autofocus is a big step up for video calls and group shots. The 4700 mAh battery lasts a day with 27W charging. For buyers wanting a small phone with a top-tier zoom camera, few alternatives existed on Android.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 109,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1280 x 2856
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera42 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight199 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz

    What we like

    • Full Pro camera system in a compact size
    • 42 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • 16 GB RAM for on-device AI
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Tensor G4 trails rivals in gaming
    • 27W charging is slow

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact Android flagship with a 5x zoom camera and Google's AI features.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    The Pixel 9 Pro XL launched in India in August 2024 at Rs 1,24,999 for 16 GB plus 256 GB. It is the large-screen version of the Pixel 9 Pro and the successor to the Pixel 8 Pro, positioned against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The flat aluminium sides and rounded corners make it more comfortable than its size suggests.

    Its 6.8-inch LTPO OLED runs at 1344 x 2992 and up to 120Hz, with excellent brightness and colour accuracy. Tensor G4 and 16 GB of RAM drive Gemini Live, Pixel Screenshots, Add Me and Magic Editor. As with earlier Tensor phones, sustained gaming performance and heat management are behind Qualcomm's best, but the phone feels quick in daily use.

    Cameras are identical to the smaller Pro: a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP 5x telephoto and a 42 MP selfie camera, all capable of excellent results, with Video Boost for cloud-processed footage. The 5060 mAh battery is the largest in the 2024 Pixel line, charging at up to 37W with a compatible adapter. The S24 Ultra counters with the S Pen and 10x zoom.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 124,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.8-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1344 x 2992
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera42 MP
    Battery5060 mAh
    Charging37W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight221 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz

    What we like

    • Large, bright LTPO display
    • Excellent triple camera
    • Largest battery in the Pixel 9 line
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Very high price
    • Heavy at around 221 g
    • Tensor G4 lags in gaming

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a big-screen Android flagship with top cameras and long support, and do not need an S Pen.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

    Google brought the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to India in August 2024 at Rs 1,72,999 for 16 GB plus 256 GB, the first Pixel foldable sold in the country. It abandoned the short, wide shape of the original Pixel Fold for a taller design whose 6.3-inch cover screen feels like a normal phone, and an 8-inch inner display that is the largest on any foldable of its year.

    The inner LTPO OLED and the cover screen both run at up to 120Hz with high brightness. The phone is thin when open and uses Tensor G4 with 16 GB of RAM, enough for multitasking and Gemini features. Software support for split screen and the taskbar is good, though the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers more refined multitasking tools and Snapdragon performance.

    Cameras are a step below the slab Pixel 9 Pro: a 48 MP main, a 10.5 MP ultrawide and a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto, still producing reliable Pixel results. The 4650 mAh battery lasts a day, though charging is slow at 21W. Against the Z Fold 6 it offers a more usable cover screen and better camera processing, but loses on performance and the IP rating, which is only IPX8.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 172,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFoldable
    Display8-inch, Foldable LTPO OLED, 6.3-inch OLED cover display, 120Hz, 2076 x 2152
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM16 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 10.5 MP ultrawide + 10.8 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10 MP
    Battery4650 mAh
    Charging21W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIPX8
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight257 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain

    What we like

    • Large 8-inch inner display
    • Normal-width cover screen
    • Thin and well-built
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Extremely expensive
    • Weaker cameras than the Pixel 9 Pro
    • Slow charging and only IPX8

    Who should buy it

    Productivity-focused buyers who want a large-screen foldable with Google software and a phone-like cover display.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7

    The Pixel 7 launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, the first mainline Pixel sold in the country since the Pixel 4 skipped it. Google positioned it as an alternative to the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22, betting on software, camera processing and a promise of five years of security updates.

    The 6.3-inch OLED runs at 90Hz rather than 120Hz, a noticeable compromise at the price. Google's second-generation Tensor G2 is not as fast as Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in benchmarks and can run warm, but it powers on-device features such as Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and fast voice typing. The aluminium camera bar and matte frame give it a distinctive look.

    Photography is the reason to buy it. The 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide deliver consistent, natural results with excellent dynamic range and Night Sight, and video improved noticeably over the Pixel 6. Battery life is adequate rather than great from the 4355 mAh cell, and charging is slow by Indian standards, with no charger in the box.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery4355 mAh
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight197 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Lemongrass

    What we like

    • Excellent point-and-shoot camera
    • Clean Android with useful AI tools
    • Five years of security updates
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Only 90Hz display
    • Tensor G2 runs warm
    • Slow charging, no charger in box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want the most reliable camera and clean Android in a compact flagship.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7 Pro

    The Pixel 7 Pro launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 84,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, taking on the Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro. It was Google's most complete phone up to that point, refining the bold camera-bar design of the Pixel 6 Pro with a polished aluminium finish and a slightly less aggressive curve to the display.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED runs at a sharp 1440 x 3120 with a variable 120Hz refresh rate. Tensor G2 is quick in everyday use and excels at speech recognition and image processing, though it trails Snapdragon rivals in gaming and efficiency. Android 13 here felt fluid, with exclusive features such as Call Screen, Recorder transcription and Photo Unblur.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 12 MP ultrawide with autofocus for macro shots and a 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the best of its year. Super Res Zoom stays usable well beyond 10x. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day, though charging at 23W is slow. Against the S22 Ultra it lacks the S Pen and 10x lens but matches it on overall photo quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 84,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight212 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Hazel

    What we like

    • Class-leading camera with 5x zoom
    • Sharp 1440p LTPO display
    • Clean software with exclusive Pixel features
    • Premium build with IP68

    What could be better

    • Tensor G2 efficiency and thermals
    • Slow 23W charging
    • Only 128 GB storage in India

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a top-tier zoom camera and the purest Android experience.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7a

    Google launched the Pixel 7a in India in May 2023 at Rs 43,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most feature-rich A-series Pixel so far, adding a 90Hz screen and wireless charging, two things the Pixel 6a lacked, while sharing the Tensor G2 chip with the more expensive Pixel 7.

    The 6.1-inch OLED is compact and colour-accurate, though 90Hz felt behind the 120Hz panels on the OnePlus 11R and Galaxy A54 at similar prices. Tensor G2 offers flagship-grade software features, Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur among them, but warms up under sustained load. The plastic back and matte aluminium frame feel solid, and the phone is IP67 rated.

    The new 64 MP main camera with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide produce photos that rival far pricier phones, especially in low light. The 4385 mAh battery gets through a day, but 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are slow. The main argument against it in India was price: the Pixel 7 itself often sold for only a little more during sales.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4385 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursCharcoal, Snow, Sea

    What we like

    • Flagship-quality camera at a lower price
    • Compact size
    • Wireless charging added
    • Same Tensor G2 as the Pixel 7

    What could be better

    • Slow wired and wireless charging
    • 90Hz while rivals offer 120Hz
    • Priced close to the Pixel 7 during sales

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel camera quality in a smaller, cheaper phone and can live with slow charging.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.